CATS AI appoints director and announces AI challenge

The University of Kentucky’s Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy initiative (CATS AI) is entering a new phase with a new director, pilot research challenges, and expanded learning opportunities for the campus community. CATS AI is human at its core, preparing students for a changing future, supporting researchers in pursuing new ideas, and helping Kentucky communities benefit from responsible innovation.

CATS AI new director announced

CATS AI recently welcomed Shirley Mitchell as Director. In this role, Mitchell will lead campus-wide efforts to make AI practical, responsible, and useful to Kentucky and its communities.

Mitchell, a Lexington native and University of Kentucky graduate, brings deep experience leading digital and technology initiatives at Valvoline Global and Lexmark. She has led global teams, launched large-scale platforms, and driven early AI-driven initiatives in sales, commerce, and decision-making.

At Valvoline Global, Mitchell developed the customer platform and digital commerce strategy. Early in his career at Lexmark, Mitchell focused on global operations and customer experience, expanding digital systems in international markets. She also served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, directing construction and infrastructure projects in the United States and abroad.

In this new role at his alma mater, Mitchell will work with faculty, campus leaders and external partners to connect UK’s AI expertise to some of Kentucky’s most complex challenges. We put people first and use technology for education, research, healthcare, and support.

“It’s not about technology right now, it’s about people, and what’s possible when we empower them to grow more, learn more and lead in new ways,” Mitchell said. “At the University of Kentucky, we are approaching this moment with purpose. We see this moment not as a replacement, but as a way to further expand the best in our students, employees, and communities. If we lead with vision and responsibility, Kentucky can show the nation what it means to harness innovation for the common good, because ultimately the true measure of progress is not what we build, but who we lift up.”

Pilot AI Research Challenge to Advance Discovery

CATS AI is also launching a pilot AI Research Challenge to fund early-stage university projects. The challenge is designed to enable teams to collect preliminary results for external grant proposals and to build a shared resource that can be used by UK researchers.

The goal is to move promising ideas closer to practical application, especially when serving federal needs. Selected projects may receive funding for direct costs, access to AI tools and computing resources, or a combination of resources, depending on the project’s needs and available funding. Interdisciplinary proposals are strongly encouraged. Each project will take six months from the award date to reach the proposed milestones.

The application deadline is September 11th. Find out more about this challenge online.

Continue AI literacy training across campus

The CATS AI ALT (AI Literacy and Training) Hub, led by Director Dr. Katherine Thompson and Associate Director Dr. James Bruelas, continues to expand campus learning through partnerships with Microsoft and Phygital Labs. This session will provide faculty, staff, and students with practical ways to understand and apply AI in their daily work. To date, over 1,000 participants have participated in CATS AI Support training opportunities.

The ALT Hub also supports projects that apply AI to real-world needs, such as agriculture, health, student learning, and community well-being.

• Students are using deep learning models to detect tall fescue, a plant that can pose a danger to horses.
• The team is developing an AI-based tool that uses mobile image processing to identify gluten contamination.
• Graduate students are applying machine learning models to identify patients at high risk of missing colorectal cancer screening.

“Our goal is to make AI accessible to everyone and demystify it in the process,” said Thompson. “ALT Hub connects faculty, students, and external partners with accessible learning opportunities, training in new tools, and AI collaborators. Through foundational and literacy training and immersive learning opportunities for students, ALT Hub helps users build a toolkit for responsible and practical AI use.”

What comes next?

As CATS AI grows, more people in the UK will have the opportunity to learn how artificial intelligence can enhance their daily work. Under Mitchell’s leadership, this initiative will combine the university’s expertise with opportunities to contribute to Kentucky’s workforce, economy, health care system, and communities.

“AI is transforming how we learn, work and provide care, and Kentucky is uniquely positioned to lead that change. We are expanding AI training, advancing research, health care and innovation, strengthening workforce readiness and driving economic development,” Mitchell said. “Through our strategies and partnerships, we are accelerating this effort to meaningfully impact all Kentuckians. And if we do this right, Kentucky will not only catch up with the future, but help define it.”